Michael Pollan: Eating Is a Political Act

[nosmokes]

Just reiterating a point that some folks around here can't seem to grasp. Hopefully Eigan and Pollan can make the point in a more cogent manner than I'm able.
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original-alternet

Michael Pollan: Eating Is a Political Act

By Mark Eisen, The Progressive. Posted November 8, 2008.

Michael Pollan discusses food production, consumer choices, the future of organics and climate change.


Michael Pollan has got people talking. His recent books, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals and In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto, have captured the public imagination, setting off countless coffee shop discussions, dinnertime arguments, and oh-so-many blog posts.

Even more impressively, his exploration of modern-day agriculture and the dysfunctional American diet has prompted his readers to look at their own eating habits with a new sense of understanding and often a desire for change.

Pollan has taken Wendell Berry's memorable phrase "eating is an agricultural act" one step further. "It's a political act as well," Pollan advises.

A lot of people agree. The alternative food movement -- organic farming, local food systems, sustainable agriculture, and more -- is burgeoning today because, one family at a time, consumers are backing away from the global food network. Instead, they patronize farmers' markets, buy food shares from CSA (community-supported agriculture) farms, and favor grocers who sell local meat and produce.

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complete article here

[superduperfarleft]

1. All consumption is a political act, at least in the first world.

So I agree with you about food.

[SmileyRose]

2. For the rich, yes, but for the poor NO

eating is purely to stay alive for most people around the world. Richer folks can afford to be political about their eating.

[unpossibles]

3. This is largely true but in developed nations not entirely an excuse

I first gave up meat gradually because I could not afford to buy it very often. I ended up eating a lot more simple foods, eventually became vegetarian, and trying to be aware of my diet. True, the original intent had nothing to do with politics, but that did become part of what kept me on track.